US to take steps to curb antidepressant prescribing, RFK Jr says
Summary
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced plans to reduce antidepressant use by encouraging less prescribing and more use of non-drug treatments. The goal is to make antidepressants one treatment option among others, ensuring patients and doctors have clear information about starting and stopping these medications.Key Facts
- The health department wants to reduce what it calls “overprescribing” of antidepressants, especially for children.
- They encourage using therapy, diet, exercise, and social connections as alternatives to medication for depression.
- A recent survey found about 17% of U.S. adults currently take antidepressants and many oppose restricting access to them.
- Guidelines now advise doctors to review medication carefully and consider safely stopping antidepressants when appropriate.
- Doctors can be paid for helping patients stop antidepressants under new department guidance.
- The American Psychiatric Association supports more research and training but says the mental health crisis is not just about overprescribing.
- The association highlights problems like lack of access to care, staff shortages, and limited psychiatric beds.
- The plan aims for better treatment planning with full transparency between doctors and patients.
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